Weber St. vs Arizona St. Preview

The Arizona State Sun Devils play host to the Weber State Wildcats for their first game of the 2014 season. Last year the Sun Devils certainly had a ‘tune-up’ game in every sense of the phrase. After scoring 55 points last year against their FCS opponent the Sun Devils had a year of ups and downs in the most exciting fashion. The Sun Devils averaged nearly 40 points a game last year, and with a well-balanced offense they will be hoping to duplicate that number for the 2013 season. Weber State certainly faces an uphill battle against this Arizona State team that received a preseason AP ranking of 19. Last year the Wildcats were able to edge out Stephen F. Austin, but were then crushed by both Utah and Utah State.

–Keys for Weber State Wildcats:

Weber State was only able to manage 190 total points during 2013, if this doesn’t change the Wildcats will be in trouble once again. With the loss of their most used wide receiver Eric Walker, head coach Jay Hill will have to find new targets for QB Austin Chipoletti if they hope to put points on the board.

–Keys for Arizona State Wildcats

Senior QB Taylor Kelly knows how to run this ASU offense pretty well. Coming in to his senior season 57 touchdown passes and only 21 interceptions, Kelly will most likely use his favorite target, Jaelen Strong, to further his career numbers.

As long as ASU keeps calm and isn’t rattled by any turnovers early in the game, Weber State will surely cave under the pressure eventually.

–NO KEY INJURIES TO DATE

–Favorite/Odds: Arizona State by 37.5 points.

–This being a home game for Arizona State, the crowd will certainly be there in full to support the PAC-12 Sun Devils. With many writers suggesting that the PAC-12 could be the toughest conference in college football, these early non-conference games are important for a team like Arizona State. The Pac-12 will be battling for bowl bids and every game counts.